10: She Decommitted… and It Changed Everything (Part 2, Real Recruiting Stories)

In Part 2 of the Real Recruiting Stories mini-series, Susan shares Kelsey’s journey, a rollercoaster recruiting process full of setbacks, detours, and unexpected turns that ultimately led her exactly where she was meant to be. From committing to her second-choice school, to decommitting after a coaching change, to finally landing at the program she loved all along, Kelsey’s story proves that the muddy middle isn’t a sign of failure — it’s just part of the process. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or tempted to give up, this episode will encourage you to keep going. Because, as Susan reminds us, success in recruiting always goes to the girl who wants it the most. Chapters 00:00 – The muddy middle: why recruiting rarely feels perfect 02:30 – The lake + island analogy: what the process is really like 05:00 – Why the “mud” creates doubt and second-guessing 06:15 – Meet Kelsey: her junior year recruiting journey 08:30 – First full-ride offer vs. holding out for her dream school 10:30 – Committing to her second-choice school 11:00 – When her coach left — and why she decommitted 12:30 – How roster movement creates new opportunities 13:45 – The dream school reappears (and makes an offer) 15:00 – Why the mud isn’t failure, it’s the middle 16:00 – Encouragement for athletes in the messy middle Click here for a discount on our go-to, and the hands-down best and most affordable Recruiting Tool + Software we recommend every baller has to increase her efficiency in all that she does 👉🏼 PRODUCTIVE RECRUIT Want to support your baller in getting her process started and have an experienced volleyball recruiting advisor walk her through it? Enroll in RECRUIT READY: LAUNCH 🚀 Need help getting unstuck in the recruiting process? Apply for a RECRUITING INTENSIVE. Are you the DIY type? Purchase the GETTING STARTED ACTION PLAN (*note this does not come with Recruiting Software OR 1:1 support) Connect with Susan: Check out the website: www.nxtvb.com Follow on Instagram: @hey.susank P.S. If you’re an athlete with big goals, a parent who wants to support the journey, or a coach who cares deeply about your players, this podcast was made for you. Hit subscribe and come grow with us.